This document provides detailed A01 notes and A03 evaluation into Para social relationships of the relationship's module, these notes are clear, and easy to follow. The A03 contains a deep explanation of both strengths and limitations to the theory/study, along with evidential support or criticism
Parasocial relationships:
Levels of parasocial, absorption addiction model, attachment theory explanation
Definition: One sided, unreciprocated relationship, usually involving a celebrity whereby the fan
gives lots of emotion, energy, and time.
Levels of parasocial relationships:
Entertainment social- Least intense level of celebrity worship, where the celebrity is seen as
entertainment and opportunity for social interaction e.g. (Giles) parasocial make good
source of gossip in the office.
Intense personal- greater personal involvement, large interest in celebrities’ life, frequent
obsessive thoughts, and intense feelings towards that person.
Borderline pathological- uncontrollable fantasies towards this person, willing to spend large
amounts of money on this person, willing to do illegal acts to express devotion.
Absorption-Addiction model
Parasocial relationships make up for deficits in real life relationships, low self esteem and stressful
life events can speed up the levels.
Absorption: seeking fulfilment in celebrity worship will motivate an individual to focus their
attention as much as possible on the celebrity, to become preoccupied with them.
Addiction: like drug medication, the individual must increase ‘dose’ to gain satisfaction. This leads to
delusional thoughts and extreme behaviours such as stalking in hope the celebrity will be interested.
Attachment theory of parasocial relationships
Psychologists have suggested that there is a tendency to form parasocial relationships in adulthood
because of attachment difficulties in early childhood.
Bowlby’s attachment theory suggested such early difficulties may lead to emotional troubles
in later life.
Ainsworth identified unhealthy attachment types (insecure resistant & insecure avoidant)
Insecure resistant are more likely to form parasocial because they have unfulfilled needs
met but in a relationship without threat of rejection. Insecure avoidants prefer to avoid
relationships altogether.
Evaluation (+/-) of parasocial relationships
Support for the absorption addiction model shows a link between celebrity worship and body image. Model suggests
deficiency such as body image can cause desire for parasocial relationship. Maltby assessed males & females 14-16years who
reported intense personal parasocial relationship with a celebrity whose body they admired. These adolescents (especially
females) had a poor body image. This supported the model’s prediction of an association between deficits and various types &
intensities of parasocial relationships.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller benjamincatling. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £5.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
